I suffered minor neck injury on vacation from whiplash when i fell off a stand up paddle board. it made my tmj worse. i went to ent recently and was given mouth-guard and referral for physical therapy at kaiser. after returning from trip what led me to d

TMJ pain: i am not certain what the nature of your TMJ pain is, or exactly what your question is please restate you concern. But k ow that there are dentist that are trained to treat TMJ problems and this may be the direction for you to go.

TMJ disorder: Temporo-mandibular disorder is the second most frequent cause of orofacial pain after dental pain. In many cases due to whiplash. Earache, clicking and popping, headache and jaw pain are common symptoms. See an orofacial pain practitioner for a consultation and management of the TMJ.

Consult oral surgeon: Oral surgeon can evaluate & treat you better than ENT as oral surgeon has more experience in treating TMJ problems.The three important factors that work in co-ordination are TMJ,muscles of mastication & occlusion of teeth.Hence oral surgeons or TMJ specialists understand & treat such problems better.Sometimes they do work with ENT doctors if the case is more complex.

TMJ is muscular: Many cases of TMJ involve a muscular component and need therapy for trigger points once activated. We find that the teeth must be disengaged and the temporomandibular joint protected from pressure at the same time. A dentist needs to be involved in your care.

Best guessing here: I cannot see the entire question. See a Prosthodontist to evaluate your bite, joints, muscles, etc. and to adjust or remake the occlusal guard. They are the experts and can team up with other specialists if you need them. Good Luck.

See oral surgeon: Have the TMJ diagnosed by a dentist or oral surgeon and have them deal with the TMJ problems not the ENT. Through radiographic shots of the condyle, it will be determined if damage is done, or that a occusal guard and time is the correct treatment.

See a TMJ doc: A work-up will be done that will serve as diagnostic tool to help identify the TMJ condition. Your dentist will work with your EENT.

Further evaluation..: You may need to be evaluated by a dentist specializing in TMJ injuries and disorders to have specialized x-rays and tests of the joints.

TMJ expert: Your case is complex. Your TMJ needs to be managed by a TMJ specialist. Any dentist can be a TMJ expert with the proper training and experience. Most commonly, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and orofacial pain specialists. Ask your MD, your dentist and your dental society for referrals.